Series: Blessed Be
2 Corinthians 13:14 ESV
Romans 8:26-27 ESV
Matthew 6:7 ESV
Proverbs 2:1-11 ESV
Gift giving can be wonderful but it can also be confusing. Even when we know the person we are giving the gift to, it can be a confusing process. It seems to me it can be a difficult process for some when giving a gift to someone much younger or much older.
I regularly ask my youngest grandson to teach me about new tools (toys) that are available in the marketplace.
I am amazed that today’s tools (toys) are nothing like toys when my children had when were young…let alone when I was young. I happen to think that can be a very good thing. Toy-makers seem to be very intentional about teaching skills.
On the other side of the spectrum, gift giving for someone older can be even more difficult.
Even though we often think of gift giving for Christmas and birthdays it isn’t something we do just for those holidays. Sometimes the best gift we can give is taking time to notice when someone is having a bad day.
Scripture gives us great examples of a gift we can give to others in our circle. The Apostle Paul gave regular gifts to the churches in his care. In 2 Corinthians 13:14 Paul wrote, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
While many of us have heard the blessings given in church, we might not often think about giving the gift of a blessing to a friend who is struggling.
There was a time years ago when I was first single again that going to church by myself was very difficult. Imagine when there were six people going to church together at one time and very quickly there were three and then two and then one. I know for a fact that I wasn’t the only person who has made such adjustments.
Going to church by yourself after many years of going with a large family can be a grieving thing. In addition to that, I had to find a new church because I was no longer the pastor’s wife. I had to leave my church family so they could heal.
Thankfully, God gave me a great gift when I found a new church.
Not only were the people welcoming and kind, at the end of the service we were given a blessing before we left. I did not tell any one at the time, but I took the blessings we were given seriously.
I cherished them.
I believed they were a great gift.
I’ve been told all my life that anonymous giving is an important practice that God honors. While it may seem strange to some during that difficult time I considered every blessing as a gift. Every kindness given quietly to me was a gift.
Every time someone anonymously prayed for me it was one of the greatest gifts anyone could have given me. At the time I did not know others were praying for me as I sat in the pew, often quietly weeping.
Years and years later I can tell you that I know the prayers from strangers carried me.
I believe those who prayed were listening to the call and the urging of the Spirit to pray for others. I cannot stress the importance of listening and being aware of how the Spirit is leading us to pray. When we take time to listen and pray we are fulfilling our promise to God for ourselves and for others.
Romans 8:26-27 tells us, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
We are to love one another, but we often might not see their need. Listening and asking the Spirit to be our guide will give us the answer. The need may not be a need for food or physical help. It can be an unseen need for pain and sorrow.
Matthew 6:7 tells us, “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.” So, keep your prayer for others simple and silent. It’s best to not let anyone notice when you are praying for someone.
Proverbs 2:1-11 says, “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;
yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,
if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.
Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;
for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you…”
So, keep your prayer as a hidden treasure between you and God.
You will be blessed and God will bless those you pray for!
Spiritual Practice: Remember
Either memorize the words to Proverbs 1:1-11 or remember where the verse can be found in scripture.
In God, Deborah
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